Queensland’s Hummock Hill Island is set for a boost in jobs and tourism with the State’s independent Coordinator-General approving a $1.2 billion masterplanned resort development with strict conditions.
According to Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick, the decision to push through with the project will provide certainty for the jobs created through the project as well as be a major vote of confidence in the Gladstone region.
“This $1.2 billion project will support 190 construction jobs per year over 17 years and will deliver a tourism boom for the Gladstone Region, supporting up to 700 ongoing operational jobs.
“Tourism is one of the main drivers of job creation in regional Queensland, and a project of this scale is too important to languish in the Planning and Environment Court for years,” Mr Dick said.
The project proposed by Eaton Place is an integrated, master-planned resort in Rodds Bay, approximately 30 kilometres south east of Gladstone.
“Plans include tourist accommodation, holiday units and camping grounds for about 2,700 people, and potential permanent housing up to a maximum of 30 per cent.
“There will be commercial and retail outlets, a range of community and recreation facilities including a boat ramp, cultural centre and an 18-hole golf course, and a bridge to the mainland,” Mr Dick added.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said this project will become a vital part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef tourism pitch that will focus on future opportunities for the central Queensland region.
“Tourism is vital for Gladstone’s economy and this project will be a game-changer for the local industry.
“We know the next generation of tourists are looking for unique experiences. That’s exactly what Hummock Hill will provide - a one-off experience visitors can’t get anywhere else,” Ms Jones said.
This major development has been approved with a total of 45 conditions to be applied, which includes that Eaton Place provide adequate infrastructure that will service the size of the project.
Construction on the billion dollar project is anticipated to commence in 2020.
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Source: Queensland Government; Global Construction Review; The Urban Developer; ABC News